Zinc oxide nanoemulsions prevent kidney stone formation and protect renal function in rats

Kidney stones have a high recurrence rate, with around 50% of patients encountering one within 10 years of treatment. Crud Cymbopogon Proximus (CP) was used in this work to develop a novel, eco-friendly, and non-toxic approach of ZnO nanoemulsions to assess the protective effects against ethylene glycol-induced renal stones and rat kidney tissue damage in male albino rats. ZnO@CP nanoemulsions were created using high-speed homogenization and the wet chemical precipitation technique. The properties of synthesized powder were characterized using ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Animal studies were divided into six groups: normal control, positive control, standard control, CP, ZnONPs, and ZnO@CP NEs groups and euthanization occurred after 28 days after treatment. DLS and TEM showed a spherical ZnONPs and ZnO@CP NEs in the range of 71.55 nm and 145.8 nm. The nano-sized ZnONPs and ZnO@CP NEs exhibited the UV absorption peak at 345 and 370 nm, respectively. FTIR spectroscopy showed stretching vibrations at 4000 –500 cm−1. In addition, cell viability was significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner in the study of cytotoxicity. Additionally, ZnO@CP NEs therapy showed significant effect on kidney biochemical indicators, including serum (creatinine, urea, and uric acid) and liver biomarkers (ALT and AST). ZnO@CP NEs groups provided a closer look at calcium oxalate crystals under a microscope, and more effectively supported kidney function. Histopathological results confirmed that the potential preventive and therapeutic ZnO@CP NEs inhibit kidney stones. In conclusion, ZnO@CP NEs treatment revealed renoprotective strong effect against ethylene glycol-induced renal stones and rat kidney tissue damage in male albino rats, probably via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiurolithiatic activity properties.